Man sentenced for stealing VA benefits

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Poland man has been sentenced to three years of probation, six months of which must be served in home confinement, for stealing about $10,000 in mileage reimbursements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Posted May. 21, 2014 at 7:06 AM

Posted May. 21, 2014 at 7:06 AM

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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Poland man has been sentenced to three years of probation, six months of which must be served in home confinement, for stealing about $10,000 in mileage reimbursements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Steven Chartier was also ordered to pay restitution at sentencing in federal court this week. He pleaded guilty in September.

Federal prosecutors say the 58-year-old Chartier claimed travel benefits for more than 64 trips of 260 miles between Limestone and the Togus VA Medical Center in Gardiner for medical treatment. In fact, he lived in Poland, which is about a 40-mile trip.

Chartier was eligible for travel benefits because he was 70 percent disabled by back and leg conditions and used a wheelchair.